Charlotte Lucas is a character from Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice. She is the intelligent and practical best friend of Elizabeth Bennet. Unlike Elizabeth, Charlotte is more pragmatic about marriage and societal expectations. Charlotte marries Mr. Collins, a clergyman, primarily for financial security rather than love. Her decision reflects the limited options available to women in her time. While some may view her choice as unromantic, it highlights the harsh realities of 19th-century life for women, emphasizing the importance of stability over affection in certain circumstances.